Data collection and automatic remote transmission system

ABSTRACT

A personal medical dictation system that can be easily and conveniently used to capture and preserve audio information. The system includes a specially designed portable, hand-held recording component that is of a small size, but yet is capable of storing at least one hour of actual dictation in compressed form and a cooperating dictation receiver that functions to automatically transfer the recorded data to a central processing area. The hand-held recording component can be expeditiously, mechanically, and electrically transmitted to the central processing area for transcription. The dictation receiver component also automatically recharges the batteries of the hand-held recording unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatusfor collecting and preserving data. More particularly the inventionconcerns a method and apparatus for collecting and preserving medicalinformation obtained by a physician using a personal medical dictatordevice and then preserving the data through the use of a novel dictationreceiver apparatus.

[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art

[0004] Several devices have been suggested in the past for recording andpreserving audio data. The most common of these devices is theconventional dictation recording device that records a user's dictationon a magnetic tape. The so-called prior art tape recorder reproduces thedictation by reading the recorded signal from the magnetic tape andpreparing an electric signal representative of the recorded dictation.After the dictation is recorded, the user typically provides themagnetic tape to a typist who prepares a type written transcript. Thisis done by inserting the magnetic tape into a tape playing device whichincludes means for generating an acoustic reproduction of the dictationrecorded on the magnetic tape. While listening to the reproduction ofthe dictation, the typist types a transcript of the dictation on thekeyboard of a typewriter or word processing device.

[0005] In the past many physicians have made rather wide use of bothhand-held and desk-mounted dictation devices to record their activities.The physician's description of interactions with patients whether in theoffice, in the hospital or in the operating room, are vital to thedelivery of quality health care. Furthermore, documentation by thedoctor is mandatory for legal purposes, to meet demands of regulatorybodies, and for effective business practices, including efficientbilling, contractual compliance and the like. The permanent records ofthe physician's activities that are produced are typically kept in themedical record or “chart” of the patient.

[0006] When tape recorders are not used by the physician to recordday-to-day activities, records are sometimes handwritten. On occasionthe physician will also use a telephone to dictate notes to a remotereceiving unit, usually located at a transcription location. At thetranscription location a medical secretary or other typist transcribesthe doctors spoken notes into text using a typewriter or word processor.The typed dictation is then placed in the medical record.

[0007] In other instances, the physician may use a hand-held digitalrecorder and electronically transfer the dictation directly to apersonal computer. Several different types of digital recorders and thecomputer software to operably connect them to a personal computer arereadily commercially available.

[0008] Each of the foregoing prior art techniques has its drawbacks. Forexample, when either a hand-held or desk-mounted tape recorder is used,the magnetic tape onto which the dictation is stored must be physicallyacquired and inserted into the recorder and then removed when thedictation is complete. The tape must then be physically delivered to thetranscription location. During this process the tape can be lost,damaged, or recorded over prior to transcription resulting in the lossof crucial data. When using the tape recorder, access to prior dictationon the magnetic tape, or access to an earlier portion of the currentdictation is slow and inconvenient because the tape must be physicallyrewound to the desired location.

[0009] With respect to telephone dictation, the physician must, ofcourse, be in proximity to a telephone and the telephone must beavailable for use. If the telephone is not immediately accessible by thephysician, time is lost in walking to the telephone and if the telephoneis in use by another person, additional valuable time can be lostwaiting for access to the telephone. In using the telephone to dictatemedical records, the physician must dial the transcription locationtelephone number which may involve as much as a 12 digit number.Additionally, the physician must remember, or look up which numericalkeys on the telephone are to be used to perform typical dictationfunctions. Once the transcription location is dialed, the physician mustwait for the remote receiving unit to answer before dictation cancommence. After the dictation unit answers, the physician must wait forinstructions from the answering unit and then perform manual operationsas directed as, for example, keying in the report type and the patient'srecord number. Finally, on each occasion, the physician must key ininformation that is constant as, for example, the physician'sidentification number and other data which does not change for a seriesof particular patients. All of these actions involve wasted motion andwasted time.

[0010] Problems concerning the use of prior art, hand-held digitalrecorders include the fact that most commercially available digitaldictation devices are designed for general-purpose use and, therefore,have unnecessary keys and functions that complicate their use formedical dictation. Additionally, presently available digital recordingdevices require that a physical connection be made for re-charging andfor data transmission from the recording device to a receiving device,such as a personal computer that is necessarily located in the immediatevicinity of the digital recorder. Finally, existing digital recordingdevices require that a computer program be run on the receiving computerin order for the dictation to be transferred from the device into thememory of the computer so that the transcription activity can beperformed.

[0011] One example of the aforementioned type of prior art voicerecording system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,220 issued toBarker. The Barker system includes a portable voice recording devicehaving a microphone for generating an electrical signal representativeof an acoustic speech signal. An analog to digital converter receivesthe electric signal from the microphone and generates a digital memorysignal representative of the electric signal. A memory device stores thedigital memory signal. In response to a user's request, a digital toanalog converter converts the memory signal to an analog electricalsignal which drives a loudspeaker to generate an acoustic reproductionof the original speech signal. Somewhat similar Barker dictationrecording devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,548,566 and5,818,800 also issued to Barker. While the Barker systems representsignificant advance in the art, to effect the transfer of the dictationfrom the recording device of the receiving machine, the user must stillbe somehow “tethered” to a personal computer. Also, manual processes,such as installation and operation of receiving software, are required

[0012] As will be better understood from the discussion which follows, aprimary object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks ofthe prior art data recording and preservation systems as described inthe preceding paragraphs by providing a simple, easy to use and highlyefficient personal medical dictation system that facilitates therecording of the physician's dictation and the subsequent automatictransmittal of that dictation without effort on the part of thephysician to a non-contiguous central location from which transcriptionquickly and efficiently can take place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] By way of summary the personal dictation system of the presentinvention comprises two cooperating devices that facilitate therecording of a physician's dictation and the subsequent transmittal ofthe dictation to a remotely located central location at whichtranscription of the recorded data can take place. The “capturing”component of the system, or “Personal Medical Dictator” (PMD) comprisesa specially designed, compact, and hand-held, portable, battery-poweredunit that can be carried in a pocket or worn on the belt. The“transmission” component or Dictation Receiver (DR) comprises acountertop or wall mounted receptacle or docking station into which thecapturing component (PMD) is placed so that dictation can be quickly andautomatically transferred from the capturing device and into thedictation receiver. From the Dictation Receiver (DR) the data is thenautomatically transferred to a remote central processing area and, atthe same time, the batteries of the capturing component areautomatically re-charged.

[0014] With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a personal medical dictation system that will beaccepted by physicians and one that can be easily and conveniently usedby physicians to capture and preserve descriptions of their interactionswith patients. More particularly, it is an object of the invention toprovide a system that includes a specially designed portable, hand-heldrecording component that is of a small size, but yet is capable ofstoring at least one hour of actual dictation in compressed form and acooperating dictation receiver for automatically transferring therecorded data to a central processing area.

[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide a system of thecharacter described in the preceding paragraphs in which the hand-heldrecording component comprises a simplified, easy-to-use, digitalrecorder that can be expeditiously mated with the dictation receiver sothat the recorded data can be rapidly and accurately transmitted to thecentral processing area without effort by the physician fortranscription.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a novel personalmedical dictation system of the class described in which the dictationreceiver that is cooperatively associated with the hand-held digitalrecorder, not only quickly and accurately transmits the recorded data toa central processing area for transcription, but, at the same time, alsoautomatically re-charges the batteries of the hand-held recording unit.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a system of theaforementioned character that is highly reliable in operation and isspecially designed to insure that the physician's valuable recordedaudio dictation is not lost during processing.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a system asdescribed in the preceding paragraph in which the captured dictation isaccurately transcribed and returned to the physician in minimum time.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a capturingcomponent that exhibits superior speech quality that is no worse thanhigh quality telephone transmission.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide a capturingcomponent that includes a speaker system for audio playback of dictationand for audio transmission of instructional and informational messagesstored in the memory of the device.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to provide a capturingcomponent or handheld recorder of the character described in thepreceding paragraphs, which further includes a visual display located onthe front cover of the device to provide visual indicators, such asmessages regarding dictation length and position, battery powerremaining, options and so forth.

[0022] The foregoing and other objectives will be met by the novelpersonal medical dictation system illustrated in the drawings anddescribed hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is a generally perspective exploded view of one form of thepersonal medical dictation system of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view of the capturing device orhand-held digital recorder component of the system shown in FIG. 1.

[0025]FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the hand-held recordershown in FIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the system shown in FIG. 1.

[0027]FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the system shown inFIG. 1.

[0028]FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of the system shown in FIG.1.

[0029]FIG. 7 is a generally diagrammatic view showing in block diagramform the various cooperating components that make up one embodiment ofthe personal medical dictation system of the invention.

[0030]FIG. 8 is a generally diagrammatic view showing in block diagramform one embodiment of the capturing component or personal medicaldictator of the system of the invention

[0031]FIG. 9 is a generally diagrammatic view in block diagram form oneembodiment of the dictation receiver apparatus of one form of themedical dictation system of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 through 6,one form of the apparatus of the invention for collecting and preservingmedical information obtained by a physician is there shown. Theapparatus here comprises a data capturing device or personal medicaldictator (PMD) identified by the numeral 14 and a cooperativelyassociated dictation receiver (DR) generally identified by the numeral16. In the present form of the invention, the PMD comprises a portablevoice recording device which is of a novel construction later to bedescribed. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the dictation receiver 16 isprovided in the form of a docking station 18 having first and second PMDreceiving compartments or receptacles 20 and 22 respectively (FIGS. 1and 4).

[0033] Referring to FIG. 8, which is a block diagram showing theinterrelationship of the various PMD components, the PMD can be seen toinclude a power supply 30, which is of conventional construction, and alinear regulator for output control as well as for battery charging. Asindicated in FIG. 8, the conditional power produced by power supply 30is used by all the components of the PMD. In this regard, power supply30 is designed to support more than 24 hours dictation before rechargingand a full recharge of the unit can be accomplished in less that onehour at the high rate or charge and in less than eight hours at thenormal rate of charge.

[0034] The primary data input means to the PMD comprises a microphonesubsystem 32 for picking up the physician's dictation, and a series ofcontrol switches 34 for dictation control, replay and editing. Themicrophone of the subsystem receives the audio information from thephysician and generates an electrical signal representative of thisaudio input information. In the present form of the invention, themicrophone subsystem 32 will support a full 5 kHz bandwidth, yet presentno aliased information when sampled at 20 kHz by the digital signalprocessor unit 36. In this regard, a four-pole filter comprises a partof the microphone subsystem 38. An important feature of each of the PMDcomponents comprises means for placing the system in a sleep mode if novoice input occurs after a set time period. Preferably this means isimplemented in the previously mentioned digital signal processor unit36. Which is of a character well understood by those skilled in the art.

[0035] As indicated in FIG. 8, the PMD component further includes aspeaker subsystem 40 that is of conventional construction and comprisesa suitable audio amplifier and speaker. The primary purpose of thespeaker system is to review and edit material already recorded and toprovide audio cues to the user. Typical audio cues include: the name ofthe physician to whom the unit is assigned; the identification number ofthe patients involved; a request for the location at which the data fileis to be returned; and queries, such as, by way of example, request toboth speak and spell the name of a patient. Speaker system 40 is of acharacter well known in the art and can be readily designed andconstructed by those skilled in the art.

[0036] The LCD display 42 is coupled with the digital signal processorwhich is also of conventional construction and functions to providestatus information to the user as, for example, remaining battery lifememory, pointer location, current user identification, current fileidentification and the like.

[0037] In operation, the digital signal processor 36, which comprises adigital to analog converter, digitizes the electrical signal output ofthe microphone subsystem 38 to produce a digital memory signalrepresentative of the electrical signal. The signal processor thencompresses the data to make efficient use of the mass data storagememory 44 with which it is operably coupled. Processor 36 also monitorsthe status of the control switches 34 (FIG. 8) to determine the currentfunction to be implemented. The programs are stored in the programmemory 44 which may be a flash memory or a mask programmed ROM of acharacter that is readily commercially available. A scratchpad memory 46is coupled with the processor 36 and accomplishes compression algorithmcalculations and also processes various other transient information.

[0038] Mass data memory 44 is operably coupled with program memory 46and provides 16 MB of non-volatile storage. Memory 44 can be implementedwith readily commercially available flash memory. Alternatively, ifdesired, the mass data memory 44 can comprise a battery backed CMOSstatic RAM which would provide faster memory access, and would alsoallow the scratchpad to share the same memory.

[0039] Preferably, each PMD has about eight MB file storage and has thecapacity to store at least one hour's actual dictation. In compressedform, each minute of audio recording requires about 90 K bytes datastorage. Therefore, the files will be about 5.4 MB in length.

[0040] Turning next to FIG. 7, which is a block diagram of one form ofthe system of the present invention, it can be seen that variousdictation receiver (DR) units 16 of the system and a server identifiedby the numeral 24 are connected as a Local Area Network. The hardwareimplementation of the network may be as a standard Local Area Network(LAN) or in some instances as a telephone linked system wherein the DRunits dials into a modem of the server for uploading or downloading ofdata. In this latter case, sever 24 may be a local computer system, orit may be located at the transcription service the character of whichwill presently be described. Each DR unit 16 must be connected asuitable power supply such as a 120 volt power supply (see FIG. 9).

[0041] A program running on the server 24 will collect data from the DRunits, create temporary backup copies on a hard disk of the computercomponent, and then transmit the data to an external remotetranscription service identified in FIG. 7 by the numeral 26.Transcription service 26 is located at a remote central processing area(CPA) and performs the data transcription and then returns a properlyformatted text version of the data to the hospital or physician.

[0042] When a particular PMD 14 is placed into a selected one of the PMDreceiving compartments or receptacles, 20 and 22 of the dictationreceiver (FIG. 4), the stored data will be automatically transferredfrom the PMD to the compute component. Also, as previously mentioned,while the PMD is in the dictation receiver compartments of the dockingstation 16, the batteries of the PMD will be automatically recharged bya built-in battery charger disposed within the DR housing.

[0043] The data storage in the DR units 16 is non-volatile, either bybattery backup on the memory board or by use of flash memory as the datastorage medium. This provides tolerance against power dropout during thetime between transfer of data from a PMD component 14 to the DR unit 16and the transfer of the data from the DR to the server 24.

[0044] It is, of course, necessary that both the mechanical and theelectrical design of the PMD units 14 be closely coordinated with thedesign of the DR units 16. As indicated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the componentsmechanically mate to a tolerance small enough to guarantee properoperation of the interface between them. The mating electrical interfacebetween the components is such as to allow the PMD 14 to receive raw ACpower from the DR 16 via a split toroidal transformer disposed withinthe housing of each DR unit, and pass it to the power supply block forrectification and battery charging. The PMD 14 also receives data fromthe DR 16 for housekeeping, such as clock control, user identification,and instructions to the user or program updates. The program updates andmodification of user instructions will generally be downloaded to the DR16 by the server 24, but may also be originated by the remotetranscription service 26. In turn, the PMD passes user identificationand compressed data to the DR. When the DR indicates the last data blockhas been successfully received, the memory pointers are reset, and theunit is ready for the next dictation session. If the DR unit signals abattery low condition in the PMD, the PMD must be left in the DR 16until it is suitably recharged.

[0045] The PMD unit 14, as illustrated in the drawings and as describedin the preceding paragraphs, can be manufactured without difficulty bythose skilled in the art using readily commercially availablecomponents. Advantageously, as previously mentioned, the PMD unit 14 isspecially designed for use in carrying out the particular methods of theinvention so that its use will be readily accepted by practicingphysicians. For example, the unit is ergonomically designed for ease ofuse without having to look at the unit to issue normal commands. The PMDcomponent also supports convenient review and editing so that selectedportions of the audio records can be selected and deleted or newsegments inserted without danger of destroying previous portions of therecorded data.

[0046] As best seen by also referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the sixteencharacter alphanumeric low power consumption LCD display 42 is placed onthe top front of the device to prominently display to the physician thepreviously mentioned visual indicators. In this regard, messagesconcerning dictation length and position, battery power remaining,option choice, and so forth, are displayed under suitable softwarecontrol in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art.

[0047] In operation of the PMD, a light emitting diode (LED) 45, whichis provided on the front of each PMD unit, illuminates to indicaterecording and erasure functions (FIG. 1). A conventional on-off switch50, located on the right side of the PMD housing (FIG. 3) controlsoperation of the device and renders the function keys inoperative whenthe device is not in use so that the inadvertent depression of the keys(as when the device is carried in a pocket) produces no action. The offposition also conserves battery power.

[0048] As indicated in FIG. 1, the speaker component 40 a of the speakersubsystem 40 is located proximate the lower front of the device housingand allows for audio reproduction (playback) of dictations, and audioinstructional messages stored in memory of the PMD. The system of theinvention permits instructional messages to be added, deleted, andamended to readily accommodate the end use of the apparatus. Inaddition, audio indicators of various occurrences, for example,beginning of dictation reached on rewind, various error conditions, andthe like are broadcast through the speaker.

[0049] By way of example, in the preferred form of the invention, thesystem has the capability to provide audio (voice) prompts to the user.In this regard, in many circumstances, it is important for the user tostate specific information. For example, at the beginning of a medicaldictation, the user needs to identify which patient he/she is going totalk about. The Personal Medical Director (PMD) will be able to promptthe user to dictate this data at the beginning of a new dictation.Specifically, when the user holds the “stop-skip” key (for >1 second) to“skip” to recording for a new patient, the PMD will play back a messagethat has been previously recorded, digitized, and stored in the memoryof the PMD, such as “Spell patient name and say medical record number”.Further, the PMD could “say” “welcome Dr. Johnson” at the beginning ofthe first dictation after prior dictations have been transmitted.Another example is the audio reminder “dictating at University Hospital”for those doctors who dictate on patients at more than one venue. Thisfunctionality enhances accuracy of identification of the patient forwhom the dictation is being done as well as alerts the doctor to thesituation where he/she is dictating but the PMD has been set to recorddictation for another doctor.

[0050] Additionally, the system has the capability to selectivelyutilize audio prompts. For example, a doctor who consistently,regularly, routinely, or always spells his patient's names and alwaysstates the medical record number does not need to be reminded to do so.Consequently, the software program within the PMD will have logicincluded to “judge” whether or not a reminder prompt needs to be“spoken” at its usual point. This functionality enhances user acceptanceand reduces the time needed for most users to begin their dictation.

[0051] Importantly, the system also has the capability to be“reprogrammed” via the central office computer as needed. Although theprimary function of the PMD is to accept dictation and transmit it to acentral office computer without further action on the part of the user,there is also a need to transmit data into the PMD; that is, there is aneed for modification from time to time of some of the data within thePMD. For example, the PMD will contain various tables of information,one of which could be a list of physicians who are authorized to use thedevice. As physicians leave, their names need to be deleted and as newones begin to work and use the PMD, their names need to be added. Thisimportant maintenance function is carried out at the central officecomputer, and needs to be transmitted into the applicable PMD.

[0052] In the same vein, the software that runs the PMD can bereprogrammed and the clock within the PMD can be synchronized with theclock of the central computer. Where required an ever changing passwordcan be sent to the PMD from the central computer to enhance security.

[0053] Another important feature of one form of the invention is itscapability to automatically send identification information to thecentral office computer. For example, one of the benefits of the PMD isthat transmission of identifying information (e.g. the doctor's name andidentification number) can occur automatically without the user havingto speak his/her name and without the user having to enter or sayhis/her identification number. This happens because the list ofauthorized users is maintained within each PMD, and the current userdata is transmitted with each dictation that is transmitted. The PMD canbe programmed to maintain only one user in the list of those for whomthis function will be operative or can be programmed to allow manyusers.

[0054] Still another important feature of the system of the inventionresides in the fact that the PMD can be “programmed” to functionspecifically for particular user characteristics. Unlike prior artdigital dictation recorders, the PMD is designed so that it containsdata specific to the user. That is, a set of characteristics particularto a given user (or group of users) is maintained. For example, thedevice can store in its memory the physician's name and identificationnumber and the venue where the patient was seen. Similarly, if a PMD isused by more than one doctor, each can choose his/her name from the“Doctor Option List”. Importantly, the same technique can be used tospecify whether a dictation is routine or is to be transcribedimmediately.

[0055] A conventional wheel type volume control 52 is located on theright side of the device (FIG. 2), and a conventional microphone 54which is used for the signal acquisition, is provided on the upper frontof the device. The microphone is specially designed to optimizedictation by the physician in a noisy environment.

[0056] An infrared (or induction type) memory signal transmission meansor device 56 of the character well known to those skilled in the art islocated flush with the left side of the PMD housing (FIG. 3) andfunctions to enable “connectorless” bidirectional data transfer from thePMD to the receiver means, or dictation receiver 16.

[0057] One or more “Non-memory” type rechargeable batteries are disposedinside the PMD housing and are recharged by a conventional batterycharger disposed within the housing of the DR 16. The batteries used inthe PMD compartment preferably have the capability of powering thedevice intermittently for a 48 hour period with a total dictating andplayback time of six hours.

[0058] “Non-volatile” memory (no loss of data with power loss) isassured by providing a separate battery within the PMD component whoseonly purpose is to maintain memory until the main batteries arerecharged. Memory sufficient to store the device program and datatables, plus 60 minutes of compressed speech, is provided within thePMD.

[0059] In using the PMD 14, six function keys control recording,playback, erasure, positioning, and option selection in the followingmanner (see FIG. 1):

[0060] RECORD MODE: Pressing the “Record” key 56 once causes the deviceto begin acquiring an audio signal, begin to digitize the signal, thencompress the signal and finally store the compressed signal in thedevice memory. Pressing 56, or another key, stops recording. Pressingand hold key 56 starts recording which will continue until the key isreleased.

[0061] LEFT ARROW: Pressing the left or back arrow key 58 causes thedevice to rewind, that is to move back in time in the dictation for aperiod of five seconds (or to the start if less than five seconds). ThePMD will then play back the dictation to the point where the key waspressed and then will stop. Pressing and holding key 58 causes thedevice to rewind continuously at a progressively rapid rate until thekey is released or until the beginning of the dictation is reached, atwhich time playback begins. Playback ends when the starting position isreached or another key is pressed.

[0062] RIGHT ARROW: Pressing the right or forward arrow key 60 causesthe device to playback the dictation to the end or until another key ispressed, and then to stop. Holding key 60 down causes the device to“fast forward” that is move forward in time, at a progressively rapidrate until the key is released. The device will then begin playing tothe end or until another key is pressed.

[0063] STOP—SKIP: Pressing the “Stop—Skip” key 62 stops any currentaction that may be occurring. Pressing and holding the key causes thedevice to stop then set itself to a new patient's dictation.

[0064] OPTIONS MODE: Pressing the “o” key 64 causes the device to enterthe “options” mode so that the user can choose from a number of valuesfor each of a number of options. For example, the first option might bethe “Dictator” option wherein the user's name and identification numbercan be specified by selecting from the list of users (dictators)authorized to use the unit. Another option, “patient location”, allowsthe user to select the location where the patient dictation occurs as,for example, in a hospital or in the doctor's office. Pressing theoption key 64 repeatedly causes the display to show the various optioncategories open to the physician, one after the other. Simultaneously,the option name is “spoken” by “playing” its digitized name as stored inmemory of the PMD unit. Holding this key causes each item in this listto be displayed for one second, one after the other with the first ¾second of each name being “spoken”.

[0065] The selections available in each option list are displayed andspoken as either the back arrow key 58 or the forward arrow key 60 ispressed. Holding one of these keys moves through the list, one item at atime, displaying for one second and speaking for the first 3/4 secondthe name of the selection.

[0066] ERASE: Pressing key 66 causes the current operation to stop.Pressing it again, or simply holding it, causes the PMD to enter the“erase” mode. Pressing any key thereafter stops the erase function.

[0067] In addition to the operations described in the precedingparagraphs, it is to be noted that pressing any key of the PMD 14 willcause the current operation to cease. Further, pressing any key excepterase causes the operation corresponding to that key to occur.

[0068] Turning next to FIGS. 1, 5, 6, and 9, the cooperative interactionbetween the PMDs 14 and the DRs is there illustrated. As shown in FIGS.1 and 4 dictation receiver (DR) 16 closely receives the PMDs 14 in thereceiving compartments or chambers 20 and 22. As indicated in FIGS. 1and 9, the DR 16 is, for all practical purposes, a stand-alone specialpurpose computer or docking station having special interfacecapabilities necessary to service the PMDs. In normal operation, thereis no keyboard or monitor attached to the DR. However, ports may beprovided for those peripherals for debugging and troubleshootingsupport. As depicted in FIG. 9, the PMD interface 69 is the directinterface to the Personal Medical Dictator. This interface supplies AC(^(˜)6V rms) power by driving the primary coils of a split toroidaltransformer. By sensing the load on this transformer, the interfaceassesses the state of charge for the rechargeable batteries in the PMD.As previously mentioned, the charging rate supplied to the PMD can beswitched between a normal recharge mode and a fast recharge mode. Thenormal mode will restore the PMD batteries in about 8 hours. The fastmode will recharge the batteries in less than one hour. The PMDinterface 69 also implements a high-speed bidirectional data path to thePMD. This data path is preferably implemented as a magnetically coupledpath that provides for high speed transfers.

[0069] Disposed interiorly of the housing 18 of DR unit is a memorysignal receiving means provided here as an infrared or induction-type,bi-directional receiving component. This component aligns with the PMDtransmission means or infrared transmission component when the PMD isseated within receiving chambers 20 and 22. In this seated position, thedigital memory signal representing the dictated data is immediatelytransferred from the PMD to the DR 16. Also disposed within the dockingstation 18 is the previously mentioned recharging hardware. Rechargingis preferably done by induction so that the PMD and the DR have noexposed electrical connection points. An electrical cord 70 connects theDR 16 to a suitable wall outlet and a phone wire with RJ 11 extends fromthe DR and functions to interconnect the unit with a telephone line. Anethernet connection is also available for connecting to a local area network for more extensive systems. (FIG. 1).

[0070] The Power Supply 76 (FIG. 9) of each DR unit generates highquality 5V power for use by the various components of the DR, and alsoprovides the raw 6V AC to the PMD interface. The computer component ofeach DR 16 comprises a conventional printed circuit card which executesan operating system from ROM. The operating system also preferablyincludes a LAN interface 78, as for example, a ICP Acquire Card. Themotherboard in the DR computer component is an off-the-shelf board thatcan run readily commercially available software as, for example, VisualBasic, to permit easy and efficient programming.

[0071] The LCD and LED display 80 of each DR unit includes several pairsof red and green LEDs and their respective drivers. In a manner wellunderstood in the art, display 80 indicates whether or not the DR isready to receive more data, and also indicates the status of transfersthat are in progress. The LEDs will show steady green (go) as a readyindicator, red (stop) when the system is not available and amber(caution) for indicating that data transfers are in progress. The LCDportion of the display 80 is a four line by 16 character unit forconveying short messages to the user. Conditions indicated by thedisplay include status of transfer to host, amount of memory stillavailable, problems with the LAN interface 82 or with the telephone linkand like operating conditions.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, the LED display 80 is easily visible on thefront of the PMD so as to clearly indicate the various functional statesof the DR and of the PMD components seated in the DR. These indicatorsinclude the following:

[0073] “Available”—Appearance of this indicia indicates that there ismemory available in the DR to accept input from one or more PMDs. Whenonly one white LED is illuminated there is enough memory available inthe DR to accommodate only one PMD dictation. If both LEDs areilluminated two PMD dictations can be accommodated.

[0074] “Operating”—This indicia indicates that the PMD is properlyseated in the receiving compartment and that data transmission is takingplace. According, the PMD should not be removed from the receivingcompartment, when this signal is illuminated. One Yellow (caution) LEDis provided for each receiving compartment.

[0075] “Complete”—When this indicia appears, the physician is notifiedthat data contained within the PMD has been successfully transmittedfrom the PMD to the DR. This indicia also indicates that the PMD'smemory has been reset so that the PMD can be safely removed. One Green(go) LED is provided for each receiving compartment. When the DRcompletes its data transfer to the central processing area (CPA), asecond Green LED for receiving compartment containing a PMD compartmentwill illuminate confirming successful transmission of DR's memory and/orsuccessful reprogramming.

[0076] “Not Available”—When this indicia appears, the physician isthereby advised that the receiving compartment is empty. but not“available” for insertion of a PMD because there is insufficient memoryin the DR to accept dictation from a PMD. One Red LED is provided foreach receiving compartment in the DR.

[0077] When data has been transferred from the PMDs seated in the DR,and when one or both of the green LEDs are illuminated, the PMDs cansafely be removed. If there is insufficient memory available in one ofthe compartments for another PMD to be received, red LED for thatreceiving compartment will illuminate and will remain illuminated untilenough memory becomes available in the DR to accept dictation fromanother PMD.

[0078] Having now described the invention in detail in accordance withthe requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this are willhave no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individualparts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirementsor conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth inthe following claims.

I claim:
 1. A system for capturing and preserving audio information comprising: (a) a portable voice recording device comprising: (i) microphone for receiving the audio information and for generating an electrical signal representative of the audio information; (ii) an analog to digital converter for receiving said electrical signal from said microphone and for generating in response thereto a digital memory signal representative of said electric signal; and (iii) memory signal transmission means operably associated with said analog to digital converter for transferring said digital memory signal from said voice recording device; (b) receiver means cooperatively associated with said portable voice recording device for receiving said digital memory signal therefrom, said receiver means comprising: (i) a housing having at least one receptacle for receiving said portable voice recording device; (ii) a computer disposed within said housing, said computer having a memory; (iii) memory signal receiving means for receiving said digital memory signal from said memory signal transmission means of said portable voice recording device; (iv) transmission means operably associated with said memory signal receiving means for transferring said digital memory signal to said computer; and (v) data transmission means operably associated with said computer for transmitting data stored therein; and (c) a remotely located processing means operably associated with said receiving means for receiving data therefrom and for producing a permanent record thereof.
 2. The system as defined in claim 1 in which said memory signal transmission means comprises an infrared, bidirectional transmission component.
 3. The system as defined in claim 1 in which said memory signal transmission means comprises an induction type transmission component.
 4. The system as defined in claim 1 in which said portable voice recording device includes rechargeable batteries and in which said housing of said receiver means further includes charging means for charging said rechargeable batteries when said portable voice recording device is positioned within said at least one receiving compartment of said housing.
 5. The system as defined in claim 1 in which said data transmission means of said receiver means comprises a modem.
 6. The system as defined in claim 1 in which said data transmission means of said receiver means comprises an ethernet connection.
 7. The system as defined in claim 1 in which said portable voice recording device includes a speaker for generating and emitting an acoustic signal.
 8. The system as defined in claim 1 in which said remotely located processing means includes means for transcribing said digital memory signal into a written transcript.
 9. A system for capturing and preserving audio information comprising: (a) a plurality of portable voice recording devices, each comprising: (i) a microphone for receiving the audio information and for generating an electrical signal representative of the audio information; (ii) a digital to analog converter for receiving said electrical signal from said microphone and for generating in response thereto a digital memory signal representative of said electric signal; and (iii) an infrared transmission component operably associated with said digital and analog converter for transferring said digital memory signal from said voice recording device; (b) receiver means cooperatively associated with said plurality of portable voice recording devices for receiving said digital memory signal therefrom, said receiver means comprising: (i) a housing having a plurality of receiving compartments, each compartment being configured closely received one of said portable voice recording devices; (ii) a computer disposed within said housing, said computer having a memory; (iii) an infrared receiving component disposed proximate each said receiving component for receiving said digital memory signal from said infrared transmission component of said voice recording device disposed within said receiving compartment; (iv) transfer means for transferring said digital memory signal from said infrared receiving component to said memory of said computer; (v) transmitting means operably associated with said computer for transmitting said digital memory signal, said transmitting means comprising a modem; and (b) a remotely located processing means operably associated with said modem of said transmitting means for receiving said digital memory signal therefrom and for producing a permanent record thereof.
 10. The system as defined in claim 9 in which said infrared transmission component comprises an infrared, bi-directional transmission component.
 11. The system as defined in claim 9 in which said portable voice recording device includes rechargeable batteries and in which said housing of said receiver means further includes charging means for charging said rechargeable batteries when said portable voice recording device is positioned within said at least one receiving compartment of said housing,
 12. The system as defined in claim 9 in which said the portable voice recording device includes a speaker for generating and emitting an acoustic signal.
 13. The system as defined in claim 9 in which said remotely located processing means includes means for a converting said digital memory signal into a written transcript.
 14. A method of collecting and preserving information obtained using a portable voice recording device for recording dictation by the user and a receiving means for receiving the recorded dictation from the voice recording device and then transmitting it to a central processing area for transcription, the method comprising the steps of: (a) dictating into the portable voice recording device the information to be preserved to product recorded information; (b) periodically coupling the voice recording device with the receiving means to electronically transfer the recorded information to the receiving means to produce received information; (c) transmitting the received information from the receiving means to a central processing area; (d) transcribing the received information to produce a plurality of transcribed records; and (e) transmitting said plurality of transcribed records to the user for review and retention.
 15. The method as defined in claim 14 in which the voice recording device includes rechargeable batteries and in which the method includes the further step of recharging the batteries by coupling the voice recording device with the receiving means.
 16. A method of collecting and preserving medical information obtained by physicians using a portable voice recording device for recording dictation and a receiving means for receiving the recorded dictation from the voice recording device and then transmitting it to a central processing area for transcription, the method comprising the steps of: (a) following each medical examination and each medical procedure, dictating into the portable voice recording device the pertinent facts relating thereto to produce a plurality of recorded patient records; (b) periodically coupling the voice recording device with the receiving means to electronically transfer the plurality of recorded patient records of the receiving means; (c) transmitting the plurality of patient records from the receiving means to a central processing area; (d) transcribing the recorded patient records to produce a plurality of transcribed patient records; (e) transmitting said plurality of transcribed patient records to the physician for review; and (f) placing each of the reviewed transcribed patient records into the appropriate patient medical file.
 17. The method as defined in claim 16 including the further step of periodically replaying at least a portion of the recorded patient records prior to coupling the voice recording device with the receiving means. 